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Canada’s Western Boreal Forest provides critical habitat for an estimated 14 million of North America’s breeding waterfowl and a multitude of other migratory birds and wetland dependent wildlife.
A weeks’ worth of celebrating Canada’s Boreal Forest 
Celebrate National Forest Week from September 23-29
Edmonton, Alta., September 19, 2007 —Ducks Unlimited Canada has more than 5 million reasons to celebrate National Forest Week from September 23-29. Encompassing approximately 5.74 million km2, or about half of Canada, the Western Boreal Forest is a vast domain filled with essential wetlands and serves as an important breeding ground to millions of North America’s waterbirds and songbirds.
The week is designated as a time to reflect on the important role that forests play in our daily lives and to celebrate Canadians' connection to the forest. It also challenges individual Canadians to learn more about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this valuable resource.
“The boreal forest is a big part of our Canadian identity,” says Eric Butterworth, head of DU Canada’s Western Boreal Program. “Much of the boreal forest is wetland, over 50 per cent in some regions, serving many vital roles, from storing carbon, water filtration and flood control to waterfowl habitat. The boreal forest is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen.”
Butterworth adds that annually, Canada’s Western Boreal Forest provides critical habitat for an estimated 14 million of North America’s breeding waterfowl and a multitude of other migratory birds and wetland dependent wildlife.
Guided by sound science and strong partnerships, the work of DU Canada’s Western Boreal Program includes wetland mapping projects, undertaking waterfowl surveys and conservation planning to enhance the conservation of wetland systems and assist with establishing wetland-rich protected areas. DU Canada recently released A Field Guide to the Wetlands of the Boreal Plains Ecozone of Canada, which provides detailed information on boreal wetlands including a field key to classify the various wetlands found in the western boreal forest. To date, DU Canada has mapped more than 79 million acres to this new classification standard. This field guide will be an important component of DU Canada’s wetlands conservation planning.
Today, about 10 per cent of Canada’s boreal forest is protected from industrial development. With the expansion of industry and associated communities, additional pressure on Canada’s boreal forest is expected to take place. However, with the support of industry, government and local communities, DU Canada is working to provide a balance between the protection and sustainable development within the Western Boreal Forest for generations to come.
For photos and more information about National Forest Week or Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Western Boreal Forest Program, contact:
Leigh Patterson
Corporate Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (204) 467-3306
Toll-free: 1-800-665-3825
Email: l_patterson@ducks.ca
